Youth fundraiser enjoys meaty response

BAKERSVILLE- — The goal, according to Barbara Knecht, was to fill 250 seats at the Steak & Burger Dinner & Auction held Thursday at the Bakersville fire hall.

The chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County was more than happy to report figures that were in excess of 300 just before the ceremonies began.

“This year we exceeded our expectations as far as attendance and the sponsorships from businesses and other organizations,” Knecht said. “We’re very excited that the community has come out to support us. It’s just exploded.”

The club is a nonprofit with a stated goal of providing a positive environment for youth during after-school hours.

In existence for three years, the steak and burger event has become the club’s largest fundraiser. Knecht said more than 60 of the 150-plus club children were in attendance Thursday. A total of 75 items were awarded through silent, live and Chinese auctions.

Keynote speaker Bill Parise — agent of Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker James Harrison and president/CEO of the Beaver County YMCA — spoke for 20 minutes about the importance of identifying goals and making them reality.

He appeared courtesy of steak and burger co-chairperson Kami Wheeler, a family friend.

“You’re actually in charge,” Parise said. “You have the opportunity to decide what to do.

“If you don’t plan your life, how can you possibly go in the direction you want?”

Parise emphasized the idea that life is less about finding success and more about discovering significance.

“Significance is about giving, not taking,” he said.

And he praised members of the community for supporting organizations like the boys and girls club.

“By your appearance tonight you’re actually helping others to grow,” Parise said. “The work that you are doing here in the boys and girls club is remarkable.”

The organization also honored a pair of residents for their support.

Caitlyn Hamelinck was awarded the Bruce Gallagher Youth of the Year Award, and Somerset County Commissioner Pamela Tokar-Ickes — one of the club’s founding board members — received the Mary Ann Bowman Friend of Youth Award.